Sightseeing
Take time to explore the oldest part of Zakopane, Koscielska, and see the original wooden houses from the early nineteenth century in the traditional Zakopane style. Some are open to the public and well worth a visit.
There are a number of museums in the town, showing the history of the area and the “highlanders” who have preserved their culture. The most significant and oldest being The Tatra Museum and also the Natural History Museum of the Tatra National Park.
Make sure to visit the oldest chapel in the traditional Zakopane style at Jaszczurówka, which is a jewel of wooden architecture.
Gubalowka is a vibrant area and a trip to on the funicular makes a nice day out and it’s bustling in both winter and summer. Walk along the top of the mountain, take a horse drawn sleigh or carriage, have lunch in one of the many restaurants and admire the stunning views across the whole of Zakopane.
Don’t have a winter holiday in Zakopane without enjoying a Kulig, a traditional horse drawn sleigh ride. The best time is in the early evening when a convoy of sleighs, with burning torches, leave a pre-arranged destination. With the countryside covered in a blanket of snow and the fairy lights twinkling in the distance, this is a magical trip that won’t disappoint.
A little further afield there are plenty of great day trips. East of Zakopane at Czorsztyn, lies the splendid medieval Castle of Niedzica, which is perched above a vast lake. A trip on the lake steamer is also a very pleasant excursion.